Pinot Gris Heimbourg 2018

Tasting Notes for Pinot Gris Heimbourg 2018 by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Radiant, bright golden yellow with delicate pink highlights.

Nose

An opening of cool, aristocratic elegance. The pronounced chalky minerality benefits from a little air. Given time, the glass reveals a complex bouquet of oranges, crisp orange zest, and pungent, spicy ginger, underpinned by juicy mango and ripe apricots. A fascinatingly tense aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine presents itself juicy and structured. Fresh acidity meets a finely woven tannin structure, supported by a solid chalky foundation. Despite its youthful approachability, the vibrant texture hints at its full potential for extended cellar ageing.

Terroir & Origin

Sourced from the small single vineyard Heimbourg near Turckheim. This south-west to west-facing slope is defined by an Oligocene-poor limestone soil with a comparatively low iron content. The wind-exposed upper parcels lend this Pinot Gris a particularly expressive, fresh aromatic profile.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Pinot Gris. At the Demeter-certified estate of Master of Wine Olivier Humbrecht, the aim is a harvest free from botrytis to craft an uncompromisingly dry style. The 2018 vintage fermented without the use of commercial yeasts and remained on its fine lees for a full 18 months prior to bottling.

Food Pairings

Thanks to its chalky structure, it pairs brilliantly with spaghetti squash fritters with poached egg, a rich crustacean soup with herb dumplings, or a spiced lamb tagine with carrots, preserved lemon, small turnips and black cumin. Be sure to decant beforehand and serve in large Burgundy glasses.

Particularities

Shaped by the estate’s biodynamic philosophy, which interprets Alsace through extremely low yields and prolonged lees ageing. An exceptionally structured, dry Pinot Gris of remarkable tension.